القلب بالحب مشغوف ومشغول

والجسم بالوجد منهوك ومهزول

The heart is enthralled by love and wholly occupied.

The body is exhausted by passion and wasted away.

والدمع خدد خدّى من تساقطه

والصبر منقطع والوجد موصول

Falling tears have furrowed my cheeks.

Patience is broken off, while passion continues.

يا عاذلي كف عن لومى وعن عذلى

فقلما قيل التأنيب معذول

O my reprover, cease blaming and reproaching me.

Rarely does spoken rebuke move the reproved.

وكيف أقبل والأشواق تنشرني

طورا وتطوى فؤادي وهو متبول

How can I accept it, when longings unfold me

At times, then fold my heart, sick with love?

هم الأحبة إن حلوا وإن رحلوا

فالقرب والبعد مهما قلت موصول

They are the beloved, whether they settle or depart.

Nearness and distance, whatever you say, remain connected.

بانوا فبت أناجي النجم مبتئسا

والطرف بالسهد مكلوم ومكحول

They departed; I spent the night sorrowfully confiding in the stars.

My eyes are wounded and lined with sleeplessness.

والقلب والهدب من دمعى ومن أرقى

بالوجد والشوق مفتون ومقتول

My heart and lashes, through my tears and wakefulness,

Are bewitched and slain by passion and longing.

لا يمسك الجفن دمعا حين أذكرهم

إلا كما يمسك الماء الغرابيل

My eyelids hold back tears when I remember them

Only as sieves hold back water.

إني أحث ركاب الشوق أطلبهم

وخطوة الشوق في ليل السرى ميل

I urge onward the mounts of longing, seeking them.

A step of longing in the night journey is a mile.

متى الوصول لربع فيه قد نزلوا

بالأنس والصفو معمور ومأهول

When shall I reach the dwelling where they have settled,

Thriving and inhabited with companionship and serenity?

يا حادى العيس عرج نحو حبهم

فإن قلبي بأهل الحي مشغول

O driver of pale camels, turn toward their love.

My heart is occupied with the people of the encampment.

بالمنحنى نزلوا أو سفح كاظمة

أو للعقيق بهم سارت مراسيل

Have they settled at al-Munhana or the foot of Kazimah,

Or have swift mounts carried them to al-Aqiq?

بالمنحنى نزلوا أو سفح كاظمة

أو للعقيق بهم سارت مراسيل

Have they settled at al-Munhana or the foot of Kazimah,

Or have swift mounts carried them to al-Aqiq?

وإن ضللت طريقا حين تقصدهم

فالمندل الرطب للحيران مشعول

If you lose the road while making for them,

Fresh fragrant wood is burning for the bewildered traveler.

وإن وصلت مقام الحي في سحر

فانزل فأوجبههم فيه قناديل

If you reach the encampment before dawn,

Dismount: their faces there are lamps.

وناد فينا وهل هاتوا بشائركم

فقد وصلتم وما في الوصل تخييل

Call among us and hail: 'Bring your glad tidings!

You have arrived; this reunion is no illusion.'

وإن رأيت خياما فيه قد ضربت

وقت الهجير فقل يا صحبنا قيلوا

If you see tents pitched there

At midday's heat, say: 'Our companions, take your midday rest.'

فالكل يوليك بالتبشير نائله

وكل ما تبتغي بالبشر مبذول

Everyone will grant you his bounty for the glad tidings.

Whatever you seek is freely offered with cheerful faces.

أنزلتنا منزلا جلت مناقبه

وزانه مع علو القدر تبجيل

You have brought us to a dwelling whose virtues are exalted.

Reverence adorns it, together with its lofty rank.

هذى الربوع بهم طابت منازلها

فزهر دوحتها بالغيث مطلول

These quarters have become pleasant through their inhabitants.

The blossoms of their spreading tree are wetted by rain.

لأنها طيبة طابت بساكنها

منها عليها ستار النور مسدول

For this is Taybah, made fragrant by its inhabitant.

From it, a veil of light is drawn over it.

بها ثوى خير خلق الله من ضر

محمد من به الإساد مأمول

Here rests the best of God's creation, of Mudar:

Muhammad, through whom happiness is hoped for.

طابت بقبر رسول الله وارتفعت

قدرا وصار لها بالقبر تفضيل

It became fragrant through the grave of God's Messenger and rose

In rank, gaining distinction through that grave.

قبر به النور لا تخبو أشعه

لايعتريها مدى الأزمان تأفيل

A grave whose light has rays that never fade;

No setting overtakes them throughout the ages.

فيه النبي الذي لولاه ما غدقت

رحمى ولا فاز في القربان هابيل

Within it is the Prophet, without whom mercy would not have poured

Abundantly, nor would Abel have succeeded with his offering.

فيه النبي الذي لولا نبوّته

ما كان للحقّ والقرآن تنزيل

Within it is the Prophet, without whose prophethood

Neither truth nor the Quran would have been revealed.

المصطفى المجتبى المحمود سيرته

من كان خادمه بالوحى جبريل

The Chosen, the Selected, whose conduct is praised,

Whose attendant in revelation was Gabriel.

من قبل مبعثه قد بشّرت صحف

وأيّد الصحف توراة وإنجيل

Before his mission, scriptures had given glad tidings,

Confirmed by the Torah and the Gospel:

بأنه الصادق المصدوق في أزل

وأن صارمه في الكفر مسلول

That he is the truthful, the trusted, from eternity,

And that his keen sword is drawn against unbelief.

وحدثت قومها الرهبان قائلة

بأن هذا به للرسل تكميل

The monks told their people, saying

That through him the messengers reach completion;

وأن شرعته للكل ناسخة

ودينه لجميع الخلق معقول

That his law supersedes all others,

And his religion is intelligible to all creation.

حمى الإله حماه عام مولده

من العداة فخاب القال والقيل

God protected his sanctuary in the year of his birth

From enemies, and their talk and rumors came to nothing.

ورد عن حرم بالكيد أبرهة

إذ دمّرت جنده الطير الأبابيل

He repelled Abraha's plotting against the sanctuary

When birds in flocks destroyed his army.

فكان عاقبة الأقوام أن هلكوا

لهم عذابان سجين وسجّيل

The people's end was that they perished.

Two punishments were theirs: Sijjin and stones of baked clay.

ويوم مولده النيران قد خندت

وصرح كسرى بايدي الصدع مثلول

On the day of his birth, the fires were quenched,

And Chosroes' palace was breached by the hands of cracking.

وماء ساوة قد جفت موارده

فما بها أثر بالماء مبلول

Sawa's waters had their sources dry up;

No trace there remained wet with water.

وقد تنكست الصبان وانصدعت

حزنا كما انصدعت فيه التماثيل

The crosses were overturned and split

In sorrow, as the statues shattered then.

وكل مشترق للسمع قد رجمته

الشهب نارا فولى وهو مخذول

Every eavesdropper was pelted

By fiery meteors, and turned away defeated.

وأصبح الشرك في ذل وفي نكد

وحيد بيد المختار مغلول

Idolatry fell into humiliation and distress,

Alone, shackled by the Chosen One's hand.

واشرق الكون لما حان مولده

لأنه لصلاح الكون مأمول

The universe shone when the time of his birth arrived,

For its restoration was hoped for through him.

فأخصبت مذ تبدى كل ناحية

إذ غيث طلعته من دونه النيل

Every region became fertile when he appeared,

For even the Nile falls short of his countenance's rain.

وأصبحت بعد طول الفقر في سعة

حليمة وأتاها الطول والطول

After long poverty, there came prosperity

To Halimah, and bounty and abundance reached her.

ودر ضرع وكل الأتن قد سبقت

أتانها إذ عليها العز محمول

Milk flowed from the udder, and every she-ass was outpaced

By her she-ass, which carried honor upon its back.

والمحل أدبر والدنيا لها ابتسمت

إذ سعدها بحبيب الله مكفول

Drought retreated, and the world smiled upon her,

For her happiness was assured through God's beloved.

سمح الخليقة من إبان نشأته

على الهدى وصفات الحلم مجبول

Generous in nature from his earliest upbringing,

He was formed for guidance and the qualities of forbearance.

وبالأمين دعوه وهو في صغر

فحكموه فزال القال والقيل

They called him the Trustworthy while he was young.

They appointed him arbiter, and dispute and rumor ceased.

رأت خديجة منه كل مكرمة

فإنه برضا الرحمن مشمول

Khadijah saw every noble quality in him,

For he was encompassed by the Merciful's favor.

فأرسلته تجعل في تجارتها

وكان في نفسها اللريج تأميل

She sent him to work in her trade,

And in her heart there was hope of profit.

في العود أخبرها بالفضل ميسرة

وأن متجرها بالربح موصول

On returning, Maysarah told her of his excellence

And that her trade had yielded profit.

والصخر سلم والأشجار قد نطقت

وللغمامة أنى سار تظليل

The rocks greeted him, and the trees spoke;

A cloud shaded him wherever he traveled.

فأرسلت لذويه الغر تخطبه

وبعد خطبته قد كان تأهيل

She sent to his illustrious relatives, seeking his hand,

And after the proposal came marriage.

فثمّ سعد علاها يوم أن شرفت

بالمصطفى وأتاها الحظ والسول

Then happiness rose over her on the day she was honored

By the Chosen One; fortune and her desire came to her.

واختار غار حرا مأوى عبادته

حتى أتاه بوحي الله جبريل

He chose the cave of Hira as his refuge for worship

Until Gabriel brought him God's revelation.

فخاف وارتعدت منه فرائصه

إذ كان في بدئه ضم وتثقيل

He feared, and his limbs trembled,

For its beginning involved an embrace and great weight.

أنى خديجة مذعورا ومرتعدا

فأذهب الرعب تدثير وتزميل

He came to Khadijah terrified and trembling;

Wrapping and covering drove away his fear.

فطيبت بجميل القول خاطره

ولابن نوفل ساقتها التفاصيل

With gracious words she comforted his heart,

And the details led her to Ibn Nawfal.

فأخبرته بمرآه ومسمعه

فقال هذا به للرسل تكميل

She told him what he had seen and heard.

He said: 'Through this, the messengers reach completion.'

وبعد ذا فتر الوحي الشريف وقد

أمسى لفترته في القلب توجيل

After that, the noble revelation paused, and

Its interruption brought fear into his heart.

وبعد عودته بالوحي كلفه

بقم فأنذر فما في الأمر تمهيل

After returning with revelation, he charged him:

'Arise and warn'; there was no delay in the command.

فقام يدعو بآيات مبينة

إلى الهدى وظلام الكفر مسدول

He arose, calling with clear signs

To guidance, while unbelief's darkness hung like a veil.

فآمنت عصبة التقوى بدعوته

مستبشرين وعادته الأسافيل

A band of the pious believed in his call,

Rejoicing, while the lowly became his enemies.

وكان أول من عادى أبو لهب

إن القريب على العدوان بجبول

The first to oppose him was Abu Lahab:

A close relative may be disposed to aggression.

لكن أبى الله إلا أن يشرفه

على الجميع وتنجاب الأباطيل

But God willed nothing except to honor him

Above all, and falsehoods were swept away.

والله طهّرة قلبا وأظهره

عليهم فدم التضليل مطلول

God purified his heart and made him prevail

Over them; misguidance's blood was shed unavenged.

وما الجحود لدعوى الحق ينفعهم

إن الجحود أمام الحق مخذول

Denying the call of truth does not benefit them.

Denial stands defeated before truth.

هذا هو الحجة العظمى فملته

لا يعتريها مدى الأزمان تحويل

He is the supreme proof; his religion

Undergoes no alteration throughout the ages.

وفي شفاعته العظمى لمتبع

وغير متبع فضل وتفضيل

In his supreme intercession, for followers

And nonfollowers, there is grace and distinction.

حيث الجميع بيوم الحشر في وجل

وفي يديه لولد الحمد محمول

When everyone trembles on the Day of Gathering,

The banner of praise is borne in his hands.

عليه بالوحي آيات منزلة

من ربه لم ينلها قط تبديل

Verses were sent down to him through revelation

From his Lord; no alteration has ever touched them.

فيها شفاء وترياق لذى مرض

لكن بها قلب أهل الشرك معلول

Within them are healing and an antidote for the sick,

But through them the idolaters' hearts are afflicted.

قد أعجزت كل منطيق فصاحتها

إذ من حكيم عليم جل تنزيل

Their eloquence has confounded every fluent speaker,

For their glorious revelation comes from One Wise and Knowing.

لا يستطيع بليغ أن يعارضها

حاشى وكلا تحاكيها المقاويل

No eloquent person can rival them;

Far from it! No prolific speakers can imitate them.

ذكر حكيم عليه الله أنزله

يهدى إلى الرشد ترتيب وترتيل

A wise reminder that God sent down to him,

Its arrangement and recitation guide toward right judgment.

لله من حكم راقت مشاربها

ومنه كم أعجز الأحلام تأويل

How wondrous its wisdom, whose draughts are delightful!

How often its interpretation has surpassed understanding!

راموا معارضة القرآن فانقلبوا

طرا خزايا وحزب الكفر مخذول

They sought to rival the Quran, but returned

All disgraced; the party of unbelief was defeated.

يزداد حسنا بتكرار لسامعه

اما سلواه فبالتكرار مملول

It grows more beautiful through repetition to its listener;

Anything else becomes tiresome through repetition.

محمد رحمة للخلق قاطبة

وفيه قد طابق المنقول معقول

Muhammad is mercy for all creation.

In him, transmitted testimony agrees with reason.

من عصبة شرف الرحمن مجتدهم

إذ هم قريش لهم في المجد تاثيل

He comes from a company whose lineage the Merciful honored:

They are Quraysh, firmly rooted in glory.

قوم أسرتهم بالبشر ناطقة

عند السماح بها متهم قناديل

A people whose faces speak through their cheerfulness;

When they give, their brows are lamps.

فكل فضل وذى فضل لهم تبع

ومن سواهم على الإطلاق مفصول

Every excellence and excellent person follows them;

All others, without exception, stand apart.

ومنهم أختار رب العرش صفوته

فكان في بعثه للشرك تعطيل

From them the Lord of the Throne chose His elect;

Through his mission, idolatry was undone.

أعلى النبيين مقدارا ومنزلة

لأنه غرة والكل تحجيل

The highest of prophets in measure and station,

For he is the white forehead-mark, and all others the white limbs.

فذكره بألم نشرح ورفعته

برهان صدق إلى القرآن موكول

His mention in 'Did We Not Expand' and his elevation

Are proof of truth entrusted to the Quran.

مطهر القلب من عيب يدنّسه

لأنه بمياه الحق مغسول

His heart is purified of any blemish that could stain it,

For it is washed with the waters of truth.

وشرعه ناسخ ما كان سابقه

وما على الشرع بعد النسخ تعويل

His law supersedes whatever preceded it;

No reliance remains on a law after its supersession.

ووجه أمته ضوء الوضوء به

قد زانه غرر منه وتحجيل

The light of ablution upon his community's faces

Has adorned them with white forehead-marks and shining limbs.

كانت به في البرايا أمة وسطا

تأتى شهودا وما في الحشر تعديل

Through him they became a balanced community among mankind,

Coming as witnesses, needing no attestation at the Gathering.

اسرى به الملك العلام يصحبه

لخدمة السير ميكال وجبريل

The all-knowing Sovereign took him by night, accompanied

In service of the journey by Michael and Gabriel.

وقدمته جميع الرسل أم بهم

في مسجد هو بالسادات مأهول

All the messengers put him forward, and he led them

In a mosque inhabited by noble masters.

ونال كل نبي حسن غايته

إذ كلهم بلقا المختار مشغول

Every prophet attained his splendid aim,

For all were intent on meeting the Chosen One.

جسم وروح على المعراج قد عرجا

إلى السماء وهذا الأمر مقبول

Body and spirit ascended upon the heavenly ladder

To heaven; this account is accepted.

حتى دنا فتدلى من حظيرته

وقد علاه من الأنوار إكليل

He drew near and descended from his precinct,

While a crown of lights rose above him.

من قاب قوسين أو أدنى تقربه

له الرضا والعطا والصفو مبدول

His approach was two bow-lengths away, or nearer;

Favor, bounty, and serenity were freely granted him.

والحجب قد رفعت والبسط قد فرشت

وكم به كان ترحيب وتأهيل

The veils were lifted, the carpets spread;

How much welcome and hospitality he received!

يا حبذا وقت قرب غير منتظر

لا القرب يدرى ولا التكييف معقول

How lovely that unexpected time of nearness!

The nearness is not comprehended, nor its manner conceivable.

داس النبي بساط العرش منتعلا

ما طور سينا ومن موسى وحزقيل

The Prophet trod the Throne's carpet wearing sandals:

What is Mount Sinai, and who are Moses and Ezekiel?

حلا الحبيب بمحبوب فكان له

منه الرضا وبفيض الفضل مشمول

The beloved delighted in his Beloved, and received

His favor, encompassed by overflowing grace.

وبالصلاة صلاة الخمس كلفه

فكل عز بهذا القرض مكفول

He charged him with prayer, the five prayers;

Every honor is assured through this obligation.

فتلك مرتبة ما نالها أحد

من النبيين جيلا بعده جيل

That is a station attained by none

Of the prophets, generation after generation.

هذا هو العز لا مال ولا نشب

هذا هو الفضل لا يعلون تفضيل

This is honor, not money or possessions;

This is excellence, surpassed by no distinction.

وعاد مكة مسرورا يسير به

ليلا براق يحاكى البرق زهلول

He returned joyfully to Mecca, borne

By night on swift Buraq, resembling lightning.

وفي الصباح حكى عن بعض رحلته

فالبعض صدقه والبعض مذهول

In the morning he recounted part of his journey;

Some believed him, while others were bewildered.

لكن أبو بكر الصديق قال لهم

لو فوق هذا حكى لي فهو مقبول

But Abu Bakr al-Siddiq said to them:

'Had he told me something beyond this, it would be accepted.'

فارتد قوم عن الإسلام إذ زعموا

أن الحديث بهذا فيه تضليل

Some turned away from Islam, claiming

That telling this tale involved deception.

عن غيرهم وصفات البيت قد سألوا

فكان منه لوصف الكل تفصيل

Others asked about the House's characteristics;

He gave a detailed description of them all.

عموا وصموا وحادوا عن طريقته

إن الضياء لدى العميان مجهول

They became blind and deaf, straying from his way;

Light is unknown to the blind.

وبينّتوا رأيهم في دار ندوتهم

وأجمعوا أنه لاشك مقتول

They devised their plan in their assembly house

And agreed that he must certainly be killed.

أنى لهم ذا وعين الله تحرسه

من البغاة وحبل البغي مبتول

How could they, when God's eye guarded him

From aggressors, and aggression's rope was severed?

فسار ليلا مع الصديق متجها

نحو المدينة حيث العز مأمول

He traveled by night with al-Siddiq, heading

Toward Medina, where honor was hoped for.

آوى إلى الغار مصحوبا بصاحبه

وطرف أعدائه بالسهد مكحول

He took refuge in the cave with his companion,

While his enemies' eyes were lined with sleeplessness.

ليثان في بطن هذا الغار قد نزلا

كأنما الغار إذ آواهما غيل

Two lions had settled within this cave;

Sheltering them, the cave seemed a lion's thicket.

وقد قفا غثرهم في كل ناحية

قوم لهم في اقتناص المال تاميل

Their tracks were followed in every direction

By people hoping to seize the reward.

ألفوا على الغار نسج العنكبوت وقد

باض الحمام به والعش مجدول

They found a spider's web over the cave, and

Doves had laid eggs there, their nest woven.

تلك الوقاية خالت دون طلبتهم

فأين منها لدى الهيجا سرابيل

That protection stood between them and their quarry;

What armor in battle could compare with it?

لا يبصرون بعين أينما نظروا

كأن أعينهم من زيغها حول

They saw nothing wherever they looked,

As though their wandering eyes were cross-eyed.

هذا سراقة قد ساخت به فرس

في الأرض وهو بنيل الجعل مشغول

Here was Suraqah, whose horse sank with him

Into the earth while he was intent on gaining the reward.

أجاره المصطفى فضلا وبشره

أن السوار له من بعد مبذول

The Chosen One graciously granted him protection and glad tidings

That the bracelet would later be bestowed upon him.

ما أحسن الوصف يتلى من شمائله

عن أم معبد لا يحكيه تمثيل

How beautiful the description of his qualities recited

From Umm Ma'bad, beyond the power of portrayal!

بلمس راحته درت شويهتها

فطاب بالدر مشروب ومأكول

At his palm's touch, her little ewe gave milk,

And its milk made drink and food delightful.

نالت بطلعته الأنصار عزتها

إذ عز طيبة بالمختار موصول

Through his appearance the Ansar attained their honor,

For Taybah's honor is joined to the Chosen One.

كانت لمقدمه الأبصار شاخصة

وآية البشر تكبير وتهليل

Eyes stared eagerly for his arrival;

Cries of God's greatness and oneness signaled joy.

كل يروم به تشريف منزله

وسير ناقته وخذ وتبغيل

Everyone sought to honor his own home through him,

While his camel moved at a brisk pace and trotting gait.

ففاز منه أبو أيوب بالغرض الأ

سمى وهذا له لاك تفضيل

Thus Abu Ayyub won from him the loftiest

Aim; this was a distinction bestowed upon him.

نادته طيبة يا مختار ذا شرفى

فليس عني مدى الأيام تحويل

Taybah called to him: 'O Chosen One, this is my honor;

You shall not depart from me throughout the days.'

وأغنت الهجرة الأنصار قاطبة

فكل ذي هجرة بالبر مشمول

The migration enriched all the Ansar;

Everyone who migrates is encompassed by goodness.

لله قوم من الأنصار قد نصروا

دين النبي فهم غر بهالليل

How splendid the Ansar who supported

The Prophet's religion: radiant, generous men!

يا أصحاب باس على الكفار ديدنهم

بعصبة الكفر تقتيل وتنكيل

O men of might, whose custom against unbelievers

Is fierce fighting and punishment among unbelief's ranks.

سيوفهم في دياجي النقع لامعة

ونسج داود في الهيجا سرابيل

Their swords gleam in the darkness of battle dust;

David's woven mail is their clothing in battle.

سمر الرماح لها في كفهم شرف

والرمح يشرف قدرا وهو محمول

Brown spear-shafts gain honor in their hands;

A spear rises in rank when borne by them.

فكم بها أسطر الكفار قد محبت

والحرف بالطعن منقوط ومشكول

How many lines of unbelievers they have erased!

Their thrusts dot and vowel the letters.

تبودا الدار والإيمان وارتضوا

ثدى السماح وفيهم جاء تنزيل

They settled in the abode and in faith, and accepted

The breast of generosity; revelation spoke of them.

اصحابه الغر كم شدوا وكم وثبوا

على العدو وسيف النصر مسلول

His radiant companions—how often they charged and sprang

Upon the enemy, with victory's sword unsheathed!

في حب خير الورى باعوا نفوسهم

وكل شيء غلا في الحب مبذول

For love of the best of mankind, they sold their lives;

Everything precious is freely offered in love.

كأنهم في مجال الحرب إذ سمعوا

إن تنصروا الله ينصركم جناديل

In the battlefield, when they heard

'If you help God, He will help you,' they seemed boulders.

لا يبتغون سوى الرضوان منزلة

ومالهم عن حياض الموت تهليل

They seek no station except divine approval;

They do not flinch from death's pools.

قوم بهم راية الإسلام خافقة

شم الأنوف لهم في الصعب تذليل

Through these people Islam's banner flies;

Proud and noble, they make difficulties yield.

نبالهم فوق هامات العدا مطر

فأين مرتين منها والقنابيل

Their arrows rain upon the enemies' heads;

What are Martini rifles and bombs beside them?

جند إذا وقفوا أسد إذا زحفوا

أين الساطين منهم والأساطيل

Soldiers when standing, lions when advancing:

Where are sultans and fleets beside them?

في جحفل لجب بالصبر مدرع

لهم لدى الطعن نسبيح وتهليل

In a clamorous host armored with patience,

They praise God and proclaim His oneness while thrusting.

في يوم بدر بتمزيق العدا ابتدروا

وغرب سيف العدا في الحرب مفلول

On the day of Badr they hastened to rend the enemy;

The enemy's sword-edge was blunted in battle.

كم في العريش دعا المختار مبتهلا

سيهزم الجمع والقوم الأراذيل

How often the Chosen One prayed earnestly in the shelter:

'The multitude will be defeated,' those ignoble people.

جاءت ملائكة للنصر مردفة

مسومين وجيش الكفر مكبول

Angels came in successive ranks to bring victory,

Marked out, while unbelief's army was fettered.

فللقليب بأثواب الردى انقلبوا

وكم بمكّة قد ناحت مثاكيل

They returned to the well clothed in death;

How many bereaved women wailed in Mecca!

كم معجزات بهذا اليوم قد ظهرت

بصدق موقعها قد صح منقول

How many miracles appeared that day!

Their true occurrence confirmed the transmitted accounts.

وما وهى أحد في ملتقى أحد

ولا ثناه عن التجديل مجدول

No one weakened at the encounter of Uhud;

No fallen warrior turned another from felling the foe.

فأنحنوا الجيش طعنا في حناجرهم

فالكل بالطعن مهزوم ومهزول

They grievously wounded the army with thrusts into throats;

All were defeated and weakened by the thrusting.

طارت قلوب العدا من بأسهم فرقا

ومزقوا فرقا والعقل مذهول

The enemies' hearts flew in terror at their might;

They were torn into groups, their minds bewildered.

ويوم مؤتة قد ماتوا بحسرتهم

فكم بها كان مجروح ومقتول

On the day of Mu'tah they died in anguish;

How many were wounded and slain there!

والطير فوق رؤوس الجيش حائمة

لها من اللحم مشروب ومأكول

Birds circled above the army's heads;

From the flesh they had drink and food.

جاءت قريش مع الأحزاب في نفر

من اليهود فعم الكل تنكيل

Quraysh came with the confederates and a company

Of Jews; punishment encompassed them all.

من بعد ما خندق المختار طيبته

ردوا خزايا وريش الكل منسول

After the Chosen One trenched his Taybah,

They were sent back disgraced, their feathers plucked.

فأزعجوا بجنود الله وانصرفوا

وعزمهم بيد الأقدار محلول

God's forces drove them off, and they withdrew;

Their resolve was undone by the hand of destiny.

وفي النضير لقد كانوا غطارفة

وفي قريظة قد نالوا وما نيلوا

Against al-Nadir they were noble champions;

Against Qurayzah they struck and were not struck.

عن يوم خيبر حدثنا ولا حرج

حيث اللواء لواء النصر محمول

Tell us freely of the day of Khaybar,

When the banner, victory's banner, was borne.

ظن اليهود بأنّ الحصن يمنعهم

من الجلاء فخانتها المعاويل

The Jews thought their fortress would protect them

From expulsion, but the pickaxes betrayed it.

وخربوا بأيديهم وقد أخذوا

قوتا يسير وباقى المال مملول

They destroyed with their own hands, having taken

A little sustenance; the remaining wealth was unwanted.

كانت لهم بيعة الرضوان تاج علا

إذ عاهدوا ربهم والعهد مسءول

The Pledge of Approval was their crown of elevation,

When they pledged to their Lord; the covenant is answerable.

وفتح مكة لم يعدل به شرفا

فتح مبين به للدين تفضيل

No conquest equaled the conquest of Mecca in honor:

A clear conquest that brought distinction to religion.

قد طهر الله هذا البيت من دنس

وأخرجت بيد الصحب التماثيل

God purified this House of defilement;

The statues were removed by the companions' hands.

والناس قد دخلت في دينه زمرا

والوعد ثم وأمر الله مفعول

People entered his religion in companies;

The promise was fulfilled, and God's command accomplished.

ظللت قريش غداة الفتح في وجل

والكل بالعفو مشغوف ومشغول

Quraysh remained fearful on the morning of conquest;

All were enthralled by pardon and intent upon it.

فما ونى المصطفى إذ قال مبتسما

العذر والعفو مقبول ومأمول

The Chosen One did not delay, saying with a smile:

'Excuses are accepted, and pardon may be hoped for.'

وكان يوم حنين في شدائده

للركب كرب وللجافين تجفيل

The day of Hunayn, amid its hardships, brought

Distress to the company and terror to those who drew away.

وكان خير الورى في الجاش أثبتهم

إذ ما على غيره في الأمر تعويل

The best of mankind was the firmest-hearted among them;

No reliance in the matter could be placed on another.

قد أعجبتهم غداة الزحف كثرتهُم

فللنفوس بدرك النصر تسويل

Their numbers pleased them on the morning of advance;

Their souls were tempted by thoughts of attaining victory.

عليهم الأرض قد ضاقت بما رحبت

وربما جاء بعد الضيق تسهيل

The earth, for all its breadth, became narrow for them;

Ease may come after hardship.

جاءت هوازن في زهو وفي صلف

فمزّقت شملهم صيد رعابيل

Hawazin came in pride and arrogance;

Noble, ragged-clad warriors tore their ranks apart.

رماهُم المصطفى بالرمل فانقلبوا

والرمل بالرمى في العينين منخول

The Chosen One cast sand at them, and they turned back;

The cast sand was sifted into their eyes.

فكل عين ترمى الرمل قد طمست

وكل جيد بحبل الأسر مغلول

Every eye struck by sand was blinded;

Every neck was shackled with captivity's rope.

وأنزل الله في الأثنا سكينته

مع الملائك فانجابت عراقيل

God sent down His tranquility in their midst

With the angels, and obstacles cleared away.

وكان يوما على الكفار منعكسا

قتل وسبى وتكبيل وتنكيل

It was a day turned against the unbelievers:

Killing, captivity, shackling, and punishment.

وضاق بالسبي والأموال أودية

فمجمل السبي إن حققت مجهول

The valleys grew narrow with captives and wealth;

The total captives, if closely counted, was unknown.

ونال أخت رضاع بعد ما سبيت

وأحضرت كرم يتلوه تنفيل

His foster-sister received, after being captured

And brought to him, generosity followed by gifts.

لله يوم به الأصحاب قد صبروا

تم الجهاد به وانجاب تضليل

How splendid that day when the companions endured!

Striving was completed through it, and deception dispersed.

درع من الصبر والإقدام قد لبسوا

كل على الصبر والإقدام مجبول

They wore armor of patience and boldness;

Each was formed for patience and boldness.

والقصد يدركه بالصبر ذو جلد

إن كان في أجل الإنسان تأجيل

The steadfast attain their goal through patience,

If their allotted lifespan allows them time.

وسار جيش تبوك يوم عسرتهم

والبيد حصباؤها بالقيظ مملول

The army of Tabuk marched in their time of hardship;

The desert's pebbles were scorched by summer heat.

فماثتلهم عن الترحال عسرتهم

ولا هجير به تغلى المراجيل

Their hardship did not turn them from traveling,

Nor the midday heat in which cauldrons boil.

بل قال قائلهم والرمس مصطخد

من جد في الأمر لا يثنيه تقبيل

Rather, their spokesman said, while the dust burned:

'One earnest in the task is not diverted by kisses.'

ولا تخلف عنهم غير معتذر

وذى نفاق له في الجيش تخذيل

None stayed behind except those with an excuse

And hypocrites who discouraged the army.

كانت غزاة لبعض الناس فاضحة

فيها تبين مطرود ومقبول

It was an expedition that exposed some people;

There, the rejected and accepted became apparent.

بالرعب قد نصر الهادى فمذ سمعت

به النصارى غدا للكل تجفيل

The Guide was aided through terror; when

The Christians heard of him, all were frightened.

وكم بها ظهرت كالشمس معجزة

في شرح مجملها للناس تطويل

How many miracles appeared there, clear as the sun!

Explaining their summary to people would take long.

دعا النبي وكان الجيش في ظمأ

فأمطروا غدقا فالماء منهول

The Prophet prayed while the army was thirsty;

Abundant rain fell upon them, and water was drunk.

وركوة الماء قد فاضت مواردها

ريّ وطهر وباقى الماء محمول

The water vessel overflowed from its outlets:

Drinking, purification, and water left to carry.

قالوا وقد شردت في البيد ناقته

يدرى السماء وأمر الأرض مجهول

They said, when his camel strayed in the desert:

'He knows heaven, yet earth's affairs are unknown.'

وحيث أخبرهم عنها انثنوا فإذا

خطامها بجذوع السرح مشكول

When he told them about it, they turned back, and behold:

Its halter was caught around trunks of sarh trees.

كذاك من خلفوا بالله ما نطقوا

سوءا ولا صدرت منهم أقاويل

Likewise, those left behind swore by God they had spoken

No evil, and no such sayings had issued from them.

فكذبوا بكلام الله في غدهم

إن الكذوب يلاحي وهو مخجول

God's words proved them liars on the following day;

The habitual liar quarrels while disgraced.

هموا بما لم ينالوه وما نقموا

إلا بفضلى الغنى غذ هم تنابيل

They intended what they never attained, and resented nothing

Except abundant wealth, though they were sluggards.

كم معجزات بها مع غيرها ظهرت

كالشمس لا يعتربها عوض تأفيل

How many miracles appeared there and elsewhere,

Like the sun, never subject to setting!

فمن أصابعه الماء الزلال جرى

فمنه للصحب منهول ومعلول

Clear, fresh water flowed from his fingers;

From it the companions drank, then drank again.

في كفه الحصيات السبع قد نطقت

وللطعام به كنز وتفضيل

The seven pebbles spoke in his palm;

Through him food became a treasure and an abundance.

أبو هريرة قد أغناه مزوده

في الأكل عمروا ولم ينقصه مأكول

Abu Hurayrah was supplied abundantly by his provision bag

For a lifetime of eating; consumption did not diminish it.

كتمر جابر إذ وفى وما نقصت

بعد الدعاء له منه المكابيل

Like Jabir's dates: he paid in full, yet they did not diminish;

After prayer for him, their measures remained undiminished.

وقصعة أكل الأصحاب أجمعهم

منها وما إن عراها قط تقليل

A bowl from which all the companions ate

Never suffered any reduction.

والعس من لبن أروى به ملأ

وحيس أم سليم فيه تحفيل

With a bowl of milk he quenched a multitude's thirst;

Umm Sulaym's hays was made abundant.

وكم وكم من قليل الشيء كثرة

وكم بدعوته قد صح مملول

How often he multiplied a small amount!

How many sick people recovered through his prayer!

فرد عين قتاد بعد ما قلعت

فما اشتكت رمد أو مسها ميل

He restored Qatadah's eye after it was torn out;

It suffered neither inflammation nor deviation.

كذاك عين على أبصرت وصفت

مذ كان فيها شريف الريق متفول

Likewise, Ali's eye saw and became clear

When his noble saliva was spat into it.

ومس أفرعهم فارتد ذا شعر

وصار للشعر تجعيد وترسيل

He touched their bald man, who became hairy;

His hair gained curls and flowing locks.

وابن الحصين وسعد حينما رميا

فكان في لمسه للجرح تعديل

Ibn al-Husayn and Sa'd, when they were shot,

Had their wounds set right by his touch.

وصح لابن عتيك بعدما انكسرت

ساق بمسح فأضحى وهو زحليل

Ibn Atiq recovered after a broken

Leg was stroked; he became agile again.

والصخر صيّرهُ رملا بمعوله

من بعد ما انصدعت فيه المعاويل

He turned the rock into sand with his pickaxe

After other pickaxes had broken against it.

وكان ما كان مما عنه أخبرهم

من القصور وفي ذا جاء تنزيل

What he had foretold to them came to pass

Concerning the palaces; revelation came about this.

وأقبلت نحوه الأشجار ساجدة

لما دعاها وللأغصان تهديل

Trees approached him in prostration

When he called them, their branches drooping.

ثم انثنت حيث كانت بعدما أمرت

وخط أغصانها في الأرض مشكول

Then they returned where they had stood, when commanded;

Their branches' traced lines marked the earth.

والضب كلمه والجذع حن له

كما تحن لدى البعد المثاكيل

The lizard spoke to him; the palm trunk yearned for him

As bereaved mothers yearn in separation.

له البعير اشتكى من جور صاحبه

ووجهه من دموع الظلم مطلول

The camel complained to him of its owner's injustice;

Its face was wet with tears of oppression.

أجاره المصطفى من جور صاحبه

فعاد وهو بحسن الحظ مشمول

The Chosen One protected it from its owner's injustice;

It returned encompassed by good fortune.

وظبية صادها بالفخ ذو شرك

وحيله بيد الإحكام مقتول

A gazelle was caught in a trap by a man with a snare;

His stratagem was slain by the hand of mastery.

بكت فراق بنيها وهي مرضعة

والطفل بالجوع منهوك ومهزول

Nursing her young, she wept at their separation;

Her offspring were exhausted and wasted by hunger.

فمذ رآها رسول الله أطلقها

لما استجارت به والقلب مشغول

When God's Messenger saw her, he released her

As she sought his protection, her heart troubled.

فأرضعت ثم عادت حسبما وعدت

من بعد ما آمنت والجسم محبول

She nursed them, then returned as she had promised,

After believing, her body still bound by rope.

والذئب قد أرشد الراعى وقال له

ترعى ومكة فيها القصد والسول

The wolf guided the shepherd, saying to him:

'You tend your flock, while in Mecca lie your goal and desire.

فيها رسول إله العرش أرسله

يهدى إلى الرشد مأمون ومأمول

There is the Messenger whom the God of the Throne sent,

Guiding toward right judgment, trusted and hoped for.'

فساروا الذئب في الأغنام يحرمها

فكان للذئب بعد العود تبجيل

So he departed, while the wolf guarded the sheep;

After returning, he honored the wolf.

والطفل خاطبه في المهد مبتسما

ولفظه بمذاب الشهد معسول

The child addressed him smiling from the cradle;

Its speech was sweetened with melted honey.

وصح صاحب الاستشقاء من مرض

والخصب منه بالاستبقاء موصول

The one seeking healing recovered from illness;

Fertility through him continued with a plea for its continuance.

من نخلة خرّ عذق إذ أشار له

وعاد لم يتناثر منه عثكول

A date cluster fell from a palm when he gestured to it,

Then returned without a single cluster scattering.

وانشق معجزة للمصطفى قمرٌ

مافى حقيقته للعين تحويل

The moon split as a miracle for the Chosen One;

Its reality was no alteration of eyesight.

وحذرته من السم الزعاف بها

ذراع شاة لها في المنع تهويل

He was warned of deadly poison within it

By a sheep's foreleg, raising alarm to prevent harm.

ونخل سلمان قد طابت مغارسه

ومنه في عامه جادت عناكيل

Salman's palms flourished in their planting places;

Through him they yielded clusters in that same year.

في الصخر أقدامه غاصت مؤثرة

ومالها أثر في الرمل ممقول

His feet sank into rock, leaving impressions;

No impression of them in sand is reported.

وكم وكم معجزات ما لها عدد

لها من الله تقريع وتاصيل

How many countless miracles there were!

They have God's admonition and firm foundations.

تحكى بكثرتها عد النجوم فما

تحصى تعدّدها كتب ولا قيل

Their multitude resembles the number of stars;

Neither books nor speech can enumerate them.

ومعجزات جميع الرسل قد قضيت

يموتهم مذ رآها ذلك الجيل

The miracles of all the other messengers ended

With their deaths, after that generation witnessed them.

ومعجزات رسول الله باقية

لا يعتريها بفضل الله تحويل

The miracles of God's Messenger remain,

Unaltered through God's grace.

تكفل الله بالقرآن يحفظه

وما تكفله الرحمن مكفول

God undertook to preserve the Quran;

What the Merciful undertakes is assured.

يا سيد الخلق من عرب ومن عجم

ومن عليك بيوم الحشر تعويل

O master of creation, Arab and non-Arab,

Upon whom reliance rests on the Day of Gathering!

يا رحمة في جميع الخلق أرسله

إلى البرايا فتعجيل وتأجيل

O mercy for all creation, whom He sent

To mankind, with hastening and postponement!

يا ملجأ الكل يا من غيث راحته

بالبر يهمى وبالإحسان موصول

O refuge of all, whose palm's rain

Pours with goodness and continues in beneficence!

قد كان آدم في الصلصال منجدلا

وأنت للأنباي بدء وتكميل

Adam was still lying in clay

While you were the prophets' beginning and completion.

انظر إلى بعين ملؤها كرم

فإن قلبي بنار الحب مشغول

Look toward me with an eye filled with generosity;

My heart is occupied by love's fire.

وامن الخوف وامنح ما أؤمله

فحبذا منك تأمين وتأميل

Allay my fear and grant what I hope for;

How welcome your assurance and gift of hope!

وامد ديمينك نحوى عل يدركني

لطف الإله وأن ينفك معقول

Extend your right hand toward me, that I may receive

God's kindness, and what is bound may be released.

فاسقم أتعبنى والدهر حاربني

والجسم من غير الأيام منحول

Sickness has wearied me, and time has warred against me;

My body is wasted by the days' vicissitudes.

وليس لي في سوى المختار من أمل

فإن أمرى إليه الدهر موكول

I have no hope in anyone but the Chosen One;

My affairs are entrusted to him throughout time.

يا موئلا لجميع الناس إذ فزعوا

ومن تشدّ لعلياه المراسيل

O refuge of all people when they are frightened,

For whose lofty presence swift mounts are readied!

قلبي إلى الحج مشتاق وذو شجن

وبالزيارة مشغوف ومشغول

My heart longs for pilgrimage and is full of sorrow,

Enthralled and occupied by the visitation.

أرى الأحبة فدوفوا بما وعدوا

لكن وعدى بنيل القصد ممطول

I see the beloved have fulfilled their promises;

But my promised attainment of the goal is delayed.

متى المطى أو الوابور يحملني

والميل والكيل يطوى بعده الكيلو

When will mounts or a steam train carry me,

While mile and measure fold away, kilometer after kilometer?

متى أراني بقرب القبر في ملأ

من الحجيج ولى بالقبر توسيل

When shall I see myself near the grave, among

Pilgrims, seeking a means of approach through the grave?

وألثم الترب من أعتاب حجرته

ويشبع الوجه تقليب وتقبيل

I shall kiss the dust upon his chamber's thresholds;

Turning and kissing will sate my face.

وأسكب الدمع في أرجاء روضته

والقلب بالذكر والتبتل متبول

I shall pour tears throughout his garden,

My heart love-stricken in remembrance and devotion.

وللجبين بها في حال سجدته

فخر وشكر وتعفير وتطويل

For my brow there, while it prostrates,

There are honor, gratitude, dust, and lingering.

قصدى بها رشف كأس راق مشربها

عذب فرات بروح الفضل مشمول

My aim there is to sip a cup whose draught is delightful,

Sweet and fresh, encompassed by the spirit of grace.

من كف خير الورى أرجو تناولها

فيها الشفا ومزاج العلم محلول

I hope to receive it from the best of mankind's palm;

Within it healing and the blend of knowledge are dissolved.

متى تصافح كفى باب حجرته

والطرف ساج من الأنوار مسدول

When shall my palm greet his chamber's door,

My eyes tranquil, lowered before the lights?

غذن أقول وقلبى باللقا فرح

والصدر منشرح بالنور مصقول

Then I shall say, my heart joyful at the meeting,

My breast expanded and polished with light:

أتيت والشوق يطويني وينشرني

أرجو القبول فقل لي أنت مقبول

'I have come, while longing folds and unfolds me;

I hope for acceptance; tell me, “You are accepted.”

وانظر لأهلى وأولادي وذي رحمى

وإخوتي وأبى إذ أنت مأمول

Look upon my family, my children, and my relatives,

My siblings and father, for you are hoped for;

والصحب والصهر والأشياخ قاطبة

مع المريدين جيلا بعده جيل

All my companions, relations by marriage, and teachers,

Together with disciples, generation after generation.

واحضر إذا حضر المحتوم من أجلى

وقت احتضارى وأمضى الأمر عزريل

Be present when my appointed end arrives,

At my dying hour, when Azrael carries out the decree.

إذا أموت على خير ويدركني

من المهيمن تكريم وتبجيل

Then I shall die in goodness, and receive

From the Guardian honor and reverence.

يا خير من للغنى ترجى مكارمه

ومن نداه لكل الناس مبذول

O best of those whose generosity is hoped for in seeking prosperity,

Whose bounty is freely offered to everyone!

على جنابك بعد الله متّكلى

إنى إليك مدى عمرى لموكول

After God, my reliance rests upon your presence;

I am entrusted to you throughout my life.

وإن جودك مرجوّ لسائله

وأنت للجود باب منه مدخول

Your generosity is hoped for by whoever asks it;

You are the door through which generosity is entered.

بك الوصول إلى الدنيا وضرتها

وهل يرجى بغير الباب توصيل

Through you is access to this world and its rival, the next;

Can access be hoped for without the door?

فلا تخيب رجائي منك في أمل

غذ بيت عزك بالخيرات مأهول

Do not disappoint the hope I place in you,

For your house of honor is filled with good things.

ضيعت عمرى في لهو وفي لعب

والجسم في ريقة الأيام مكبول

I wasted my life in diversion and play;

My body is shackled in the bondage of days.

نفسي إلى اللهو والعصيان جامحة

وما لها في اقتناء الخير تحصيل

My soul runs headlong toward diversion and disobedience,

Acquiring nothing in the pursuit of goodness.

أمسى وأصبح في زهو وفي فرح

والقلب في غفلة والفكر مشغول

Evening and morning find me proud and joyful;

My heart is heedless, my mind preoccupied.

وليس لي عمل للخير مدخر

أو فعل خير به للنفس تأميل

I have no deed of goodness stored away,

Nor good action through which my soul might hope.

يا نفس حتى متى التسويف أخجلني

ألم يكن لك في الإقلاع تسويل

O soul, how long? Procrastination has shamed me.

Have you felt no urge to desist?

متى المتاب وفودي شاب مفرقه

والعمر ولى ولى قد حان ترحيل

When will repentance come? My temple-locks have whitened at their parting;

Life has passed, and my departure's time has come.

وثوب جسمي بالعصيان في دنس

وثوب غيري من الآثام مغسول

My body's garment is stained with disobedience;

Others' garments are washed clean of sins.

يا رب عفوا عن الجاني وزلّته

فأنت وحدك بالغفران مسئول

O Lord, pardon the offender and his lapse;

You alone are asked for forgiveness.

حمّلت نفسي ذنوبا لست أحصرها

لكن قلبي على التوحيد مجبول

I have burdened my soul with sins I cannot count,

But my heart is formed upon God's oneness.

وحب خير الورى عندى وشيعته

حب قويّ وهذا القدر مقبول

My love for the best of mankind and his followers

Is strong; this much is accepted.

من لي بأن رسول الله يشفع لي

يوم الحساب وفكر الكل مذهول

Who will assure me that God's Messenger will intercede for me

On Reckoning Day, when everyone's thoughts are bewildered?

إذ ليس يجدى به مال ولا ولد

وما على نسب في الحشر تعويل

Then neither wealth nor offspring will avail;

No reliance rests upon ancestry at the Gathering.

إن لم يكن في أمورى آخذا بيدى

دنيا وأخرى والإ ضاع مأمول

Unless he takes my hand in my affairs,

In this world and the next, my hope will otherwise be lost.

لكن لي منك ميثاقا بتسميتي

بأحمد وهو بالأحسان مشمول

Yet I have a covenant from you through my being named

Ahmad, a name encompassed by beneficence.

فأحمد الحملاوي فيك ذو أمل

له على كرم المختار تطفيل

Ahmad al-Hamlawi places hope in you;

He seeks a share in the Chosen One's generosity.

الحب أنطقه بالمدح مقتبسا

أنوار وصفك كي تحلو التفاعيل

Love made him speak in praise, borrowing

The lights of your description to sweeten the metrical feet.

مالى سوى مدحك المحبوب مدّخرٌ

وللدح يبذل إما قلّ محصول

I have nothing stored except your beloved praise;

For praise, even scant earnings are spent.

لعل مدحى وحسن الظن ينفعني

في شدّتي يوم لا تغنى المثاقيل

Perhaps my praise and good expectations will benefit me

In my hardship, on a day when weights of wealth avail nothing.

تابعت كعبا ولم أقصد معارضة

أنى يكون لمثلى ذلك القيل

I followed Ka'b, without intending rivalry;

How could one like me make such a claim?

وإن علا كعب كعب يوم بردته

فبردتي منه في الدارين تنويل

Though Ka'b's standing rose on the day of his mantle,

My mantle is a gift from him in both abodes.

إن لم أنل حسن حظي في متابعتي

بانت سعاد فقلبي اليوم متبول

If I do not gain good fortune in following him,

'Su'ad has departed; today my heart is sick with love.'

عليك صلى إله العرش ما سجعت

في الدوح ورق لها في السجع تهديل

May the God of the Throne bless you as long as

Gray doves sing and coo among the spreading trees;

والآل والصحب والأحباب قاطبة

والحمد لله بدء ثم تكميل

And all your family, companions, and beloved ones.

Praise belongs to God, at the beginning and at completion.